Development Threats
Ongoing
Do you know of a development threatening the Farmland Preservation Area? Contact us!
Resolved
Special Use Permit for a Poultry Processing Plant
King Tut Corporation has requested a Special Use Permit from Marion County for the construction and operation of a minor poultry processing/packing facility on 14.75 acres located approximately 1.7 miles west of I-75 on NW 193rd Street outside of Micanopy. After careful review of the application, and discussions with the owner, Dr. Fawzy Ebrahim, Horse Farms Forever has determined that this request is consistent with the current Comprehensive Plan, and that it is a compatible with land use of the surrounding area. The property is zoned A-1: General Agriculture, and by right, the landowner is allowed to raise poultry. These kinds of agricultural activities are permitted within the Farmland Preservation Area.
The County Commissioners say YES to the Farmland Preservation Area, and NO to the ATV Racetrack!
At their meeting on June 17th, the Board of County Commissioners unanimously voted as follows:
To deny Comprehensive Plan Amendment 20-L05 submitted by Blitch Plantation, LTD to amend the future land use designation from Rural Land to Rural Activity Center for 18.2 acres.
To deny Application 200507Z to rezone 18.2 acres from Rural Land to Rural Activity Center; but to approve the rezoning for 5 acres within that parcel with land use already designated as Rural Activity Center. This means that the 5 acres with the future land use designation of Rural Activity Center now has the zoning to match, and development that is allowed within a Rural Activity Center can now take place there.
To deny Application 200508SU to permit ATV racetrack with ancillary recreational uses, limited ATV sales and repair, RV Park, and event venue requested as a Special Use Permit in RAC and A-1 Zoning Districts.
Today is Hearing Day: Participation Options
The Marion County Board of Commissioners meets today at the McPherson Governmental Campus Auditorium, 601 SE 25th Ave., Ocala, to consider adoption of the Blitch Plantation (Rudianyn) proposal for Double Gate ATV Park and Recreation. Here is the agenda and full application.
Overwhelming Grassroots Support for the Farmland Preservation Area
The County Commissioners report receiving over 200 letters in opposition to the Double Gate ATV Park Land Use and Zoning changes, and Special Use Permit. Thank you for speaking out! As a supporter of the Farmland Preservation Area, you are in strong company. Take a look at some of these letters:
A Closer Look at Very Real Water Concerns in Flemington from Double Gate ATV Park
Yet there is no plan, no environmental study – nothing to assure the public that water concerns will be addressed. Here is what the Springs Institute said after they read the Application:
Always Watching
We work hard to keep you informed, and to represent our members' interests in preserving our horse farms, farmland and the unique character and culture of Marion County's 193,000 acre Farmland Preservation Area.
Join the herd. Every voice matters.